Though my understanding is that the US billion is becoming more common. One German I had asked said they didn't use "billion" much, explaining that their national budgets are much smaller than the US' and so they don't have much need to use that number.

That's way too easy of a question my dear. Back when I was in college they used to have his quiz board at one of our on-campus snack stores to win free items. The questions were usually about sports and other chotchkey that I never found interesting.

One day though, the following question came up:

"How many groups of zeros are there in quattuordecillion?"

I had to sit down to go through it in my head, no calculator nor pencil/pens/paper used. The answer, was 15 groups or 45 zeros, and I was the only person that got it right to win a free soda!

So, to sum up, if y'all ever need to know this stuff, here's the break down:

That's way too easy of a question my dear. Back when I was in college they used to have his quiz board at one of our on-campus snack stores to win free items. The questions were usually about sports and other chotchkey that I never found interesting.

One day though, the following question came up:

"How many groups of zeros are there in quattuordecillion?"

I had to sit down to go through it in my head, no calculator nor pencil/pens/paper used. The answer, was 15 groups or 45 zeros, and I was the only person that got it right to win a free soda!

So, to sum up, if y'all ever need to know this stuff, here's the break down:

And the funny irony is, I just kept the cup since I don't drink soda...used it to hold extra pens as I recall. It was a trophy of sorts.

DWise - While I don't know the British system I do understand that it is different, what gives with the Brits? Driving on the wrong side of the road is bad enough, but such a wacky number system as well? :lol: :wink:

DWise - While I don't know the British system I do understand that it is different, what gives with the Brits? Driving on the wrong side of the road is bad enough, but such a wacky number system as well? :lol: :wink:

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An open letter to SG:

I am going to pretend I did not see the above :tongue:

Yes, DWise one is on the right track of what I was getting at re the number of zeros. Just for the record (SG!) it seems that France also has/had the same number of zeros as the British/UK system so it isn't just 'British system'. :tongue: Maybe someone from France can confirm or deny?

Remember that the US is a baby compared to the length of time Britain/the UK has been in existence. A 'fresh', 'mature' baby, but still a baby :twisted:

Incidentally, I believe commercially the UK has been adopting the American number of zeros. :wink: